ADC Chieftain Blasts South East Governors, Lawmakers over Christmas Rice Politics

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Comrade Adolphus Ude, has sharply criticized South East governors and lawmakers over what he described as the politicisation of Christmas rice distribution, warning that the practice undermines local productivity and economic growth in the region.

In a press statement issued in Enugu on Monday, Ude lamented that political leaders in the South East resort to distributing rice produced in other parts of the country as Christmas gifts, instead of revitalising the region’s vast agricultural potential through functional farm settlements and agro-industrial investments.

The ADC stalwart, who is also the Coordinator of ADC Enugu Like Minds, argued that such actions amount to a disservice to the region, stressing that the South East is richly endowed with arable land and established rice-producing hubs capable of ensuring self-sufficiency and export-driven growth.

He specifically referenced rice production areas such as Odumo in Aninri Local Government Area and Adani in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, as well as Anyamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State. According to him, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states also possess vast fertile lands suitable for large-scale agricultural production.

Ude expressed concern that despite receiving billions of naira monthly from federal allocations and internally generated revenue, governors in the region have failed to prioritise agriculture, infrastructure and basic amenities. Instead, he accused them of focusing on projects that serve personal interests, including the construction of luxury hotels and recreational centres.

He further decried the abandonment of farm settlements and plantations established in the 1960s by the former Eastern Region government under the leadership of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, noting that their revival could significantly boost employment, food security and internally generated revenue.

Describing the current trend as “reprehensible,” Ude said the distribution of externally produced rice during festive periods stifles local production and discourages investment in agriculture and agro-industries within the region.

Beyond agriculture, the ADC chieftain also raised alarm over what he termed excessive taxation by South East state governments, warning that the policy is discouraging investment and worsening the economic hardship faced by residents.

He called on governors in the region to work collectively with federal and state lawmakers to drive a coordinated development agenda that prioritises agriculture, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

Drawing inspiration from history, Ude urged South East leaders to emulate the Okpara-era model of development, when agricultural revenue was deployed to build industries and transform the region into a manufacturing and economic hub comparable to the Asian Tigers.

He concluded with a passionate appeal for an end to overbearing taxation policies, cautioning that increasing the tax burden on citizens amounts to “taxing the people to death,” and called for people-centred governance that genuinely promotes development and prosperity in the South East.